The Government will designate, by Order in Council, the contract values, categories and groups for which AMF authorization will eventually be required, so as to avoid processing delays. To ensure timely filing of applications, the AMF encourages companies wishing to do business with Québec public bodies to sign up for E-mail Info so that they receive up-to-date information about public contracts, including changes regarding contract values, categories and groups.

Processing of applicationsThe AMF will forward the application information to the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC), so that the necessary audits can be carried out in co-operation with the Sûreté du Québec, Revenu Québec, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec and the Commission de la construction du Québec.

The UPAC will subsequently send the AMF an opinion regarding the company applying for authorization, after which the AMF will issue a decision.

The AMF will begin processing applications on January 15, 2013. Applications will always be processed as quickly as possible.

The AMF is also mandated to update the public register of the enterprises it authorizes to enter into contracts or subcontracts with public bodies. This register will be posted on the AMF website over the coming weeks.

FeesAt the time of filing an application for authorization, companies are required to pay a fee of $400 for the analysis of their file and $200 for each person or entity subject to an audit, in particular, officers, directors and/or partners.

The Autorité des marchés financiers ("AMF") is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector.